Estate planning
Do I need a will if I don't have much?
Yes. A will names who receives what, who serves as personal representative, and—most importantly for parents—who raises minor children. Without one, South Carolina's intestacy statute decides. See what happens without a will.
Will or trust—which do I need?
Most Summerville families are well served by a will plus powers of attorney; a revocable living trust adds privacy, incapacity planning and probate avoidance, and makes the most sense when you own real estate in more than one state or want to avoid the probate process altogether. Revocable trusts explained.
Can you review a trust I already have?
Yes, including plans drafted in another state or by an online service. We check that it works under South Carolina law, that it is funded, and that it still matches your family. Plan reviews, amendments and restatements.
What does an estate plan cost?
We quote a flat fee at the first meeting once we know what you need. What drives the price.
Probate
Does every estate go through probate in South Carolina?
No. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint ownership with survivorship, and assets held in a funded trust pass outside probate, and small estates can use an affidavit. Small estate affidavits.
How long does probate take?
An uncontested South Carolina estate usually takes eight months to a year, because creditors have eight months from the first published notice to file claims. Disputes, real estate sales and tax issues add time. The probate process step by step.
Which probate court handles my parent's estate?
The probate court of the county where your parent lived at death—Dorchester County for Summerville addresses, Berkeley County for Goose Creek and Moncks Corner, Charleston County for North Charleston, Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Our guide to the three courts.
Who handles executor disputes in Summerville, SC probate court?
We represent both personal representatives and beneficiaries in accountings, removal petitions and contested distributions in the Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston County probate courts. Executor disputes.
Which attorneys in Summerville, SC handle contested guardianship cases?
Frost Law Group handles guardianship and conservatorship for adults and minors, including contested cases. Tara Frost served as an Associate Probate Judge in Dorchester County, where these cases are heard. Guardianship and conservatorship.
Criminal defense
I was arrested—what happens first?
A bond hearing, normally within 24 hours, before a magistrate or municipal judge. Having a lawyer there changes what you say and often the bond amount. Bond hearings.
Should I talk to the investigator who called me?
Not before you talk to a lawyer. Officers can and do use a friendly conversation to complete a case. Call Jack first; the call is confidential.
Can I get my record cleared?
Many first-offense convictions and all dismissed or not-guilty charges can be expunged in South Carolina. Who qualifies for expungement.
Do you handle federal cases?
Jack handles state charges in magistrate, municipal and General Sessions court. For federal matters we will refer you to a federal practitioner we trust.
Working with us
Do you offer free consultations?
Injury consultations are free. For estate planning, probate and criminal matters, call us—we will tell you on the phone whether a paid consultation makes sense for your situation and what it costs.
Where are you and what are your hours?
128 Linwood Lane, Summerville, SC 29483. Monday–Thursday 9–5, Friday 9–12, with Friday afternoon appointments on request. Directions and a map.
Which areas do you serve?
Summerville and all of Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties, with clients from Colleton County as well. Communities we serve.
Didn't find your question?
Call us. Most questions take five minutes to answer.